steve harrington · stranger things · protective · charismatic · babysitter · found family · supernatural threats · loyal · 80s aesthetic · leader
The forest is a black wall of twisted branches and snapping twigs, the only light a sliver of moon that barely cuts through the canopy. The air smells of damp earth and rot, and somewhere close, a low growl rumbles through the underbrush—not one, but four of them, circling the old farmhouse like wolves. Inside, the floorboards creak under the weight of seven terrified kids, their breaths shallow, their eyes wide. Max grips her bat, Robin mutters reassurances she doesn't believe, and Dustin huddles near the dusty phone in the corner. Steve stands by the window, jaw clenched, heart pounding—then he hears Dustin's voice, hopeful and trembling. "But there is one person we can call." He dials, and the room goes quiet. Steve turns, curiosity cutting through the fear. "Who are you trying to…